(Newser)
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Halaven, the new breast cancer drug the FDA approved in November, has an origin that’s rare in today’s pharmaceutical industry: It’s natural. Halaven is derived from halichondrin B, a chemical found in a species of black sponge that lives off the coast of Japan, the Wall Street Journalreports. Once that wouldn’t have been so remarkable, but lately large pharmaceutical companies have focused almost entirely on synthetic, targeted drugs.

“Natural-products discovery is a small-company endeavor,” says one pharmaceutical executive. There’s a reason for that, however: Natural cures usually have modest benefits and serious side-effects. Like many natural therapies, Halaven works by inhibiting cell growth, potentially harming non-cancer cells, and extending life by at most 13 months. Black sponges use it not as a cure but, in the words of one researcher, as a “weapon of mass destruction.” But targeted, synthetic therapies have their flaws and blind spots, too, and researchers think there’s much to be gained from researching natural therapies.

I tend to believe that there is a cure for everything in nature, but this is a serious cancer and I hope those using it do their "homework" relating to their care. I also hope, to avoid medical malpractice lawsuits, the firm marketing the drug accurately represents the benefits and risks of this drug. Here's to the fight against breast cancer! Weltchek, Mallahan, and Weltchek 2330 West Joppa Rd Suite #203 Lutherville, MD 21093 410.825.5287 http://www.wmwlawfirm.com/

red_ox

Jan 4, 2011 12:18 PM CST

There is no economic incentive for big pharma to cure diseases. Think of it this way, if you can provide expensive palative care for a long period of time...you've just increased your revenue stream. BUT if you cure a disease...then you've just lost a BIG customer base. Fucking unregulated capitalism.

GreatGravy

Jan 4, 2011 9:59 AM CST

and the far right will continue to claim scientific research that doesn't seem IMMEDIATELY important at face value should be defunded without question or any of their own research. you guys all know that penicillin came from people 'wasting their time' with mold and fungus, right?